is ash wood good firewood

Is ash a good wood to burn in a fireplace?

If you are depending on wood to heat your home for the winter, it is a good idea to use wood that burns efficiently and is readily available. Ash is good for firewood because it is a clean burning hard wood that produces an adequate amount of heat. It has a neutral aroma and won’t leave your hands all pitchy.

Does Ash make good firewood?

Yes, desert ash is good firewood. Ash is a very good firewood that you can use in any season. It gives off very good heat and burns for a long time. Ash has a very low moisture content. It is easy to dry and makes little smoke. Most species can even be burned when they are green.

Is ash a heavy wood?

Some types of firewoods in the mid-range, like Cherry and Hard Maple also beat Ash in this category. But, Ash is still a heavy hardwood, and it does outperform significantly lighter woods like Pine.

How long should ash wood season for before being burned?

White ash is said to have such a low moisture content that it can be thrown right into the fire as soon as it is cut. Black ash has one of the highest moisture contents and should be seasoned before being burned. All ash firewood will benefit from some sort of drying. Ash takes between 6 and 12 months to season properly.

How long does it take for ash wood to season?

It's always best to carefully split firewood, stack it on your firewood rack, and let it properly dry out. So how long does Ash firewood take to season? About 6-8 months, but for denser wood, it could take more like 12 months.

Which is better firewood oak or ash?

Although ash may produce slightly lower BTUs than oak or sugar maple, it's a popular firewood choice for many people. Ash firewood is known for splitting very easy and having a low moisture content.

What is ash wood best used for?

Uses for Ash Wood Ash is used for furniture, flooring, doors, cabinetry, architectural moulding and millwork, tool handles, baseball bats, hockey sticks, oars, turnings, and is also sliced for veneer. It is a popular species for food containers due to the wood having no taste. Learn more about ash lumber.

What is the best firewood to burn?

Oak: Known for its long, slow burns, oak is likely the best firewood wood. Oak is a dense hardwood available throughout most regions of North America. While oak wood can take a little longer to become properly seasoned than other firewoods, the fire from well seasoned oak in your wood stove can't be beat.

What is the hottest burning wood?

Which Types of Firewood Burn The Hottest?Osage orange, 32.9 BTUs per cord.Shagbark hickory, 27.7 BTUs per cord.Eastern hornbeam, 27.1 BTUs per cord.Black birch, 26.8 BTUs per cord.Black locust, 26.8 BTUs per cord.Blue beech, 26.8 BTUs per cord.Ironwood, 26.8 BTUs per cord.Bitternut hickory, 26.5 BTUs per cord.More items...•

What is the slowest burning wood?

Hardwood, specifically hickory, is the slowest burning firewood. Other slow-burning hardwoods include oak, black locust, beech, and ash. Ash is considered the more popular choice because it can be burned green, whereas others need to be seasoned for 1-2 years before use.

What are the disadvantages of ash wood?

Ash is considered a non-durable, perishable wood. When damp or in contact with the ground, ash wood is prone to rotting. Ash is also susceptible to attack by beetles and fungus, especially the sapwood. According to Advantage Lumber, ash wood appeals to common furniture beetles and powder post beetles.

Is ash as strong as oak?

Although both Oak and Ash belong to the same category as hardwoods, they differ in the degree of hardness. For instance, Ash is considered harder than Oak and as a result is used as materials in heavy constructions requiring strong and durable materials.

Which is stronger ash or hickory?

Which is stronger: Ash or Hickory? With a Janka hardness rating of 1320, Ash is a very durable species of hardwood that can easily be installed in high-traffic areas. But with a hardness rating of 1820, Hickory is among the strongest hardwoods commonly used for flooring.

What is the best and worst firewood?

Wood Types: Best to WorstThorn – Very Good – One of the best woods for burning. ... Walnut – Fair – Is overall a fair wood for burning. ... Willow – Poor – Does not burn well even when seasoned. ... Yew – Very Good – Very high heat output that lasts a very long time.More items...•

What kind of wood should not be burned in a fireplace?

Trees like pines, firs, or cypress have "soft" wood, which burns fast, leaves few coals, and makes a lot of smoke that can coat your chimney with soot (not a safe thing in the long run).

What firewood smokes the most?

Hardwoods that tend to smoke more than others include eucalyptus, poplar, elm, and others (see below).

What kind of ash tree is used for firewood?

Common varieties of Ash trees used for firewood. There are 16 different species of Ash, but the Green Ash and White Ash are the most common species used for firewood. Green Ash is known as a hardy shade tree and is popular because of its fast growth, nice shade and ability to adapt to a wide range of soil conditions.

What are the characteristics of an ash tree?

Ash is a hardwood which means it will burn hotter and will provide the most heat for the weight. It burns clean with no smoke and it throws few sparks. The trees grow in cool and warm climates, on moist, well drained soil, and in areas that provide enough direct sunlight.

How much heat does ash produce?

Heat Output and Efficiency of Ash. Depending on the species, Ash produces anywhere from 19.1 to 23.6 million BTUs per cord. On average a cord of Ash is equal approximately to the following common heat sources: 20,700 cubic feet of natural gas. 235 gallons of propane.

How long does it take for ash to burn?

Ash can be burned green if you have to, but it will burn most efficiently when split, stacked and left for at least 6 months to season. To get the most energy out of your firewood, the wood should be seasoned. Seasoned firewood is described as having 20% moisture content.

Why cut firewood this year?

A good rule of thumb is to cut firewood this year so you can use it next year. Burning green wood decreases the amount of heat generated by the fire. As the green wood burns, the energy created from the fire is used to evaporate the moisture resulting in wasted heat.

Why is ash called ash?

Ash is generally known for its ability to be split very easily and for having a low moisture content. A freshly cut piece of Ash has a moisture content slightly higher than seasoned Ash. Sometimes Ash is given a bad name because people mistake Ash for Elm. Elm is very hard to split, whereas Ash is generally considered easy.

How many cubic feet is a cord of firewood?

One BTU the amount of energy required to heat one pound of liquid water by one degree Fahrenheit. A cord of firewood is equal to 128 cubic feet of wood. Typically firewood is cut into 16 inch lengths and is tightly stacked in three rows, 4 feet high and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet.

Ash: Hardwood or softwood

Ash is a light-colored hardwood. Ash is similar in hardness to oak, beech, and birch. Its hardness rating is 1320 pounds-force on the Janka Hardness Scale.

Ash BTU's

White ash is denser than other ash wood so it burns the hottest of all the ash firewoods. White ash's BTU rating is 24.2 million BTUs per cord.

Burning ash firewood

Ash is a fairly dense wood and burns hot. It is a moderately slow-burning wood. It can be used as your main firewood during winter. It can also be mixed with inferior wood to produce a nice heat during the cool and cold months.

Ash: Sparks

A great thing about ash is its inherent low moisture content. Because ash has such a low moisture content, it doesn't produce many sparks. This is true even if you burn ash when it is green.

Cost of ash firewood

Ash is very inexpensive firewood to burn. Many times you can find it in your local area being sold by a local business that processes it themselves. Ash should run you somewhere between $300 and $400 per cord.

Is ash good to burn in a fireplace, firepit, stove, or campfire

Ash firewood is truly one of those good all-around products you can use anywhere. Burn it in your fireplace, firepit, stove, or campfire. You will not be disappointed with its performance.

Smell of ash when it's burning

Ash doesn't put off a big smell when it is burned. The smell is a pleasant, very mild scent. It isn't something that is either good or bad. This means you won't really notice the smell unless you are thinking about it.

What is the most common firewood?

The ash tree is a common tree found throughout most of the United States and Canada. 16 different species of ash have been identified, but the white ash and green ash are the most common species sought after for firewood. Although ash may produce slightly lower BTUs than oak or sugar maple, it's a popular firewood choice for many people.

How tall does a white ash tree get?

Woodworkers like the white ash because it can be bent into various shapes without jeopardizing its strength. The white ash will commonly grow between 70-80 feet tall and likes rich, moist, well drained soils. If grown in open areas, the tree will produce a nice large canopy making it a popular shade tree.

What causes ash tree larvae?

The larva is what causes all the damage to the ash tree. The larva tunnels under the bark and disrupts how the tree transports food and water, starving the tree and eventually killing it. Although the Emerald Ash Borer can fly, the insect is commonly spread by moving firewood.

How long does it take for firewood to season?

In a perfect world you should let firewood season at least one year. Seasoning ash for one year is sufficient if you stack it off the ground, cover the top 1/3 portion of the firewood stack and allow the sun and wind to cure the wood. Some species of trees, like red oak, take at least two years to season....typically three.

Where did the Emerald Ash Borer come from?

First discovered in southeastern Michigan in 2002, this invasive species has spread to 14 states and parts of Canada. The Emerald Ash Borer is a small, 1/2 inch long insect that has a bright metallic green color. The larva is what causes all the damage to the ash tree.

How long does green ash live?

The green ash is one of the most common and abundant species of ash. The tree grows approximately 70 feet tall and can live for up to 100 years, however, 30-50 years is more common.

Can you move firewood to another location?

Transporting firewood from your home to another location can increase the spread of this destructive invasive species. Remember not to move firewood and always buy or cut your firewood locally to help prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer.

Emerald Ash Borer

While ash is typically resistant to diseases, ash trees have a very real pest enemy.

Is Ash Good For Firewood - Common Types Of Ash Trees

Among the 16 different types of ash, green ash and white ash are the two most commonly used for firewood.

Is Ash Good Firewood - Pros vs Cons

Just like any other firewood choice, there will be pros and cons to every wood you burn.

Ash Firewood - Overall

Ash is among the best firewood to burn, if not the best firewood choice available.

How tall does green ash grow?

The green ash comes second as the most abundant type of ash in North America. It can grow up to 70 feet tall and can live more than a century. Today, the most common green ash trees are aged 30 to 50 years old. And due to their popularity as firewood, thousands of green ash are getting harvested every year. These trees are also hardy and can live in a variety of soil conditions. When the Dutch Elm disease struck the industry of American Elm, the green ash was used as a replacement because of its high adaptability to many types of soil and weather conditions.

Is oak good for firewood?

If oak is better firewood, is ash as firewood good too? We have one of our blogs talking about oak as one of the best quality firewood you can easily find if you live in North America . Ash is endemic in most parts of the U.S. and its neighboring country like Canada as well as in some parts of Europe and Asia. It has also earned a reputation for being some of the excellent trees for deriving quality firewood including for making furniture. But before we talk about the ash, let’s discuss more about its identification.

Can you burn ash firewood?

Ash is a straightforward type of a fuel wood which means you can burn its wood even if it’s freshly harvested. However, it will make a great difference if you allow the ash firewood to dry to better achieve the amount of heat you always desire when burning it.

Can you leave ash firewood overnight?

So it can be an excellent choice for stoves and fireplaces and you can leave it overnight without worries of fire hazards.

Can you start a fire with ash?

With its lightweight characteristics, you won’t need some kindling to start a fire with it but better start off with its little pieces. And once the ash firewood starts burning, it will completely burn leaving a clean ash. This is one of the reasons why ash are some of the favorites for home heating because they require less cleaning of its ash.

Is ash firewood good for heating?

No firewood is actually perfect. By and by you will see the differences in the wood you burn and you may also notice the significance of one type of firewood from the other. Ash is basically one of the best you can use for home heating as it burns hot and slow.

What is ash wood used for?

In Ireland, it's used for making hurley sticks, and it's also good for hockey sticks, and oars, thanks to its shock absorbing qualities.

What is an ash tree?

The Ash is a graceful tree. The ash is a graceful tree, forming a domed canopy of pale green leaves that look similar to those of the rowan or the elder. The leaves can move in the direction of sunlight, and sometimes the whole canopy will lean towards the sun. Interestingly, ash leaves fall when they're still green.

How old can ash trees live?

The third most common tree in the British Isles, ash trees can live to 400 years old - even older if coppiced - and reach a height of 35m.

What color is the bark of an ash tree?

In winter, the ash develops distinctive black buds. The bark is a beige grey colour and is often covered in moss or lichens.

Is ash good for firewood?

How good is Ash as firewood? Ash is up there with the best of woods for your fire or wood burner as it's one of the densest of the hardwood logs. Ash even burns even when green (undried) as it has a naturally low moisture content.

Is ash dieback a fungal infestation?

It's extremely strong and durable, with a good strength to weight ratio. Ash dieback - a fungal infestation - is a constant threat in many European countries. As Ash allows more light though its canopy than other species, the threat has further repercussions for floor-level forest fauna.

Where does green ash grow?

Green Ash grows best in the southern part of the United States from Connecticut to Kansas and as far west as Texas.

What is green ash wood good for

Green ash is commonly used as firewood. It is also used as flooring, building materials, tools, and baseball bats.

Is green ash firewood good summary

Green ash is a great firewood and in this article we've covered the various ways to use it. If you're looking for green ash, make sure it's dry and not wet or damp when you buy it. If it is wet, store it where it won't touch the ground but will have good airflow through it. Be sure to cover the wood with plastic so rain doesn't continually wet it.

What type of firewood is best for heating?

Black Locust is arguably THE best type of firewood you can burn for heating. It has an exceptional heat output. In addition, Black Locust produces minimal smoke and high-quality coals capable of burning through the night.

What is the easiest firewood to identify?

Sycamore is among the easiest types of firewood to identify. It has a very unique light flaky bark with a whitish-green layer underneath that almost makes the tree look naked. See the photo above for reference. Sycamore is also very difficult to split, even compared to much heavier wood like Oak.

What is the best firewood for a BBQ?

Hickory is one of the very best types of firewood, especially for heating. It has an exceptional heat output. In addition, Hickory produces minimal smoke and high-quality coals that can burn through the night. Hickory firewood is also a popular choice for BBQ and smoking meats.

What is the best wood to burn for campfires?

Most people will agree that Cherry firewood has one of (if not the #1) best smells. It’s great for campfires and is also used for BBQ and smoking meat. Cherry is also a very easy wood to work with, whether you’re just splitting it, or doing some serious woodworking.

How to tell if a maple is soft or hard?

Two ways you can distinguish Soft Maple from Hard Maple, is using the weight and the smoke output. Hard Maple is considerably heavier than Soft Maple, given two pieces of wood of the same size. Hard Maple also produces far more smoke than Soft Maple does.

What is liquid smoke made of?

If you’ve ever cooked with “liquid smoke”, it’s actually made from condensed Hickory smoke. Hickory produces the quintessential “smoke smell”. Most people don’t know this, but Hickory also happens to be one of the species of trees that you can tap for syrup.

What woods can cause chimney fires?

Pine is an extremely sappy wood and can contribute significantly to creosote build-up, which can cause chimney fires. Also note: the above numbers are based on Southern Yellow Pine. For other types of Pine, these numbers can vary. For example, the heat output of White Pine is only 15.9.

Common Characteristics of Ash Trees

Working with Ash Firewood

Heat Output and Efficiency of Ash

The Pros and Cons of Burning Ash as Firewood

• Pros 1. Neutral odor when burning. 2. Burns hot and long. Cons 1. Hardwoods like Ash, Live Oak, Hickory, and Walnut are more expensive to purchase than softwoods like Pine and Fir. 2. Ash trees don’t always grow very straight, which can make splitting more difficult. 3. Ash produces more creosote build up in your chimney than soft firewoods do.

See more on downtoearthhomesteaders.com

Other Common Uses